COVID-19 is on the rise among Oklahoman children ages 5-14. Since mid-March cases have risen about 3% in that age group to account for about 12% of new infections.
Vaccinations haven’t yet been approved for those so young, but Dr. Jennifer Clark of OSU’s ECHO Project says that may soon change.
"Our 12-to-15-year-old population will likely have access to the vaccine this coming week," said Clark. "As we all know we've been waiting - or at least some of us - have been waiting with baited breath."
Pfizer is seeking approval with the FDA to expand its emergency use authorization, and an announcement is expected any day now. But a national poll from Kaiser Family Foundation published today says only three in ten parents of children ages 12-15 would get their kids vaccinated right away.
Tulsa resident Dee Grey wouldn’t wait. She has four grown children and seven grandchildren, and she supports vaccinations for kids.
"Just get them vaccinated and let's get back to normal. That's about it," said Grey.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the rise of more transmissible variants partially accounts for the increase in infections among children.
Clark said with adults getting vaccinated, new infections had to go somewhere.
"You have to remember it's percentages, so it's relative. If you've got a bunch of 65-year-olds who are vaccinated and no longer being infected, then that has to shift."
